Tag Archives: Beyonce

Red Carpet Review: The 2012 Met Costume Institute Gala!

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It is my esteemed pleasure to bring you a first look at all the glamour from last night’s beyond amazing 2012 Met Costume Institute Gala, which is honoring the works of Miuccia Prada & Elsa Schiarparelli.  There’s just so much to look at & the images keep surfacing.  My favorites include Scarlett Johansson, Dianna Agron, Leighton Meester & Carey Mulligan.  Of course, there were some major fashion risk-takers like Kirsten Dunst, Beyonce, Chloe Sevigny, & Mary-Kate Olsen.  However, sometimes when there’s such a prestigious night that celebrates fashion, it’s not always about who got it right & who got it wrong- it’s about embracing the possibilities of expressing your style.  Take a look at the slideshow & feel free to click through the gallery & find your favorites from the night.

If you missed last year’s festivities, check out my link to all the red carpet excitement, as well as my exclusive photos of last year’s exhibit which brought the late Alexander McQueen’s work back to life in the heart of New York City.  Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Maxi Dresses Inspired By Olivia Wilde, Lauren Conrad, Lily Collins, & More!

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‘Tis the season for maxidresses, which will be staples in your warm weather wardrobe from now even until after Labor Day.  As you can see, there are plenty of celebrities wearing maxidresses in a bunch of different ways.  Belts, beads, heels, flats, & jackets are perfect for accessorizing these flowy floor-length frocks.  First we have Alessandra Ambrosio in a tiered maxidress with a Loewe bag, Beyonce in a printed maxidress with stilettos, Rachel Bilson in a Suno maxidress, & Lily Collins in a Peter Som maxidress.

Also, for some more celebrity-inspiration, there’s Lauren Conrad in a belted Heartloom maxidress, Olivia Wilde in a Yigal Azrouel maxidress, Emma Roberts in an Isabel Lu maxidress, & Nicole Richie in a floral printed maxidress. With all these celebrity images, you can see how a maxidress is perfect for a red carpet event, daytime luncheon, or summer date night.

I’ve searched high & low for the best & most affordable maxi dresses from my favorite stores to share with readers.  In an effort to offer up some variety, I’ve selected trends like colorblocking, animal print, ruffles, & chiffon, as well as patterns like stripes, paisley, & florals. These selections include the cheetah lace maxi dress ($28.99) @Charlotte Russe, the I Heart Ronson striped maxi dress ($32.00) from JC Penney, tube cup feather maxi dress ($29.50) from Wet Seal, paisley maxi dress ($50.00) from Dress Barn, New York & Company‘s floral ruffle maxi dress ($69.95), leopard maxi dress ($27.80) from Forever 21‘s Plus 21 collection, colorblock maxi dress ($25.00) from Target, & flounced racer back dress ($27.80) also from Forever 21.

Which maxidress do you like the best? Where do you shop for maxidresses? How do you like to accessorize your spring / summer looks? Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Dispell Those Turtleneck Myths with Inspiration from Claudia Schiffer, Keira Knightley, & More (Dedicated to Laurie)!

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My dear friend Laurie, who I’ve dedicated a past blog to, has inspired this post with a question about the myth that turtlenecks = frompy.  However, here is the evidence that they’re not!  Of course I’m not a turtleneck-donning Style Darling myself, or anything with collars for that matter, but I can say that looking at the celebs below, there’s no way turtlenecks can be so wrong when they look so right- especially on my dear Laurie who always looks fashionable in a turtleneck.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen turtlenecks come back in style, in the most classic way, just like a good pair of trousers, dark denim jeans, a pencil skirt, & a button-down shirt. Jennifer Connelly layers her turtleneck with a blazer & pleated Balenciaga mini skirt & opaque tights.  Supermodel Claudia Schiffer makes a spring-like tunic fall-ready with a turtleneck, leggings, & heavy cardigan. Kristin Chenoweth looks super cozy in a furry sweater jacket, skinny jeans, & knee boots with her classic gray turtleneck underneath.  Reese Witherspoon multi-tasks in a black mock turtleneck, aviators, straight leg jeans, & embellished flats with a Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag.  Amanda Seyfried covers up in the cold with a black turtleneck under a bright red romper dress for a TV appearance & matching red lips.  Keira Knightley looks like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn in a belted pencil dress & turtleneck ensemble with round toe Sergio Rossi pumps.  Disney darling Selena Gomez downplays her printed pants with a short-sleeved turtleneck & layered chains from LOFT.

And now the basic we’ve all been waiting for…. here are some turtlenecks, in stores now! @Old Navy, the ‘tropical storm’ turtleneck ($17.94) is available in five other colors & can be mixed & matched up with a skirt suit or puffer vest with white skinny jeans.  Each color is available in sizes XS – XXL for Style Darlings of all shapes! Try out some jewel tones & primary colors with the classic turtleneck sweater ($34.93) from The Limited, marked down from $49.90.  Take a skinny belt, like shown on the model, & add some modern edge to the underestimated basic piece that would look contemporary with classic stud earrings & bangles.  Style&co created this gray & black colorblock turtleneck ($21.98), available @Macy’s, also in black & red. It’s prefect for a pair of leather shorts & hoop earrings. Add some straight leg cigarette pants & platform boots to create an mod / equestrian look.

If you’re a mock turtleneck kind of gal, check out Target‘s short-sleeve mock in black which can help you recreate Keira’s look, or would be fabulous with a houndstooth pencil skirt for work! Also, this turtleneck reminds me of a Fashion Flashback post featuring Marilyn Monroe with white pants & bouncy blonde curls.

Work a built-in belt with a sweater turtleneck ($17.80) like this from Forever 21 for a denim skirt & boots when you grab some hot chocolate with your gal pals on weeknight.  Probably my favorite of all the turtlenecks is the shirred turtleneck in deep teal ($28.00) by Jennifer Lopez for Kohl’s.  Also available in heather gray & black, this top is marked down from $40.00!

For those of you who still need some extra convincing, celebrities like Zoe Saldana, Emma Roberts, Lake Bell, Beyonce, & Cameron Diaz show that covering up in a turtleneck dress can be just as sexy & polished like a cocktail dress on the red carpet.  Check out a previous Basics for a Bargain post, featuring sweater dresses to see stars like Heather Graham, Eva Mendes, & Nicole Richie sporting fall-ready turtleneck style sweater dresses without any worry about if it’s a do or don’t.

Turtlenecks have come a long way.  Stay away from anything too festive, adorned with holiday-themes, & you won’t look like a fuddy-duddy.  Look for a turtleneck in a strong solid color, or in a modern print. Remember: Since turtlenecks are a must-have basic, you’re setting up the foundation to a really fashionable ensemble that could be accented with with long necklaces, a vest, belted bootcut jeans, a leather corset, mini skirt, or figure-flattering pencil skirt.

Also, for a final persuasion to any nay-sayers, check out these stunning runway looks from Chanel, Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors, Valentino, Stella McCartney, & Donna Karan.

Do you have any style myths that you just can’t figure out?  I’d be happy to show off how some celebrity-inspiration can translate into an affordable look.  Do you have any turtleneck stories?  Laurie, I hope this blog does the trick! Happy Styling!

Red Carpet Review / Runway Rundown: Who Loves Dolce & Gabbana’s Stars Print? Fergie, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway, & More! That’s Who!

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Dolce & Gabbana‘s latest fall / winter collection is headed for the stars- seriously! While playing with classic silhouettes in pencil skirts, flowy blouses, & oversized blazers, the mix of the celestial black & white pattern stands out even more with sequins, lace, animal print, & fur.  These are just a few of the very fabulous runway looks, courtesy of the official website. Even the separate items can be matched with dark denim skinny jeans, a bold tee, & colorful pointed tow heels & socks (as pictured).  To shop for these items, head over to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, & Saks Fifth Avenue.  Which is your favorite?  Do you think stars look juvenile or luxury?

But if the runway isn’t somewhere you normally hang, take a look at the latest fashion magazine covers & their stylish cover girls, donning star-themed dresses by the famed fashion house.  This includes One Day‘s Anne Hathaway for Marie Claire, pop princess Britney Spears for Harper’s Bazaar, & everyone’s favorite Virgo, Beyonce for In Style!

And since this is a partial red carpet post… Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen a slew of celebs of all styles opting for astronomical-inspired looks, as opposed to the tradition go-to polka dots or a simple LBD for camera-ready events.  First there’s Rose McGowan shows off her figured in a ruches sweetheart dress, Fergie isn’t afraid of color in the yellow & black mini, a very pregnant Jessica Alba wears a comfortable & elegant halter, Rosario Dawson plays with voluminous sleeves, Olivia Wilde sneaks around in sequins, Kim Kardashian isn’t afraid to wear curve-hugging stars during the dat, & Lily Allen is ladylike in a white coat & black tights.  Lastly, Evan Rachel Wood & Solange Knowles take on this print in legwear, both pairing the pants with loose-fitting tops & a masculine black jacket!

For more on Dolce & Gabbana, check out our Style ABC’s (x3) post, featuring the gorgeous Scarlett Johansson as the brand’s cosmetic spokesmodel.  Also, check out past runway shows at In Style!  Happy Styling!